Guardian Africa network + Somalia | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/series/guardian-africa-network+somalia
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 21:44:49 GMT2017-09-26T21:44:49Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Kenya accused of 'dumping' Somali refugees ​back over the border with no supporthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/20/kenya-accused-of-dumping-somali-refugees-back-over-the-border-with-no-support
<p>Authorities shutting down Dadaab are repatriating up to 400 people a day despite lack of shelter, clean water or schools </p><p>Authorities in Somalia have denounced the way refugees are being repatriated from neighbouring Kenya, after the Kenyan government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/kenya-close-worlds-biggest-refugee-camp-dadaab">announced it would close Dadaab</a>, the world’s largest refugee camp, by the end of 2016. </p><p>Over the past five months, makeshift camps in Somalia’s southernmost border state have been swelling with families as thousands of refugees are repatriated as part of a UN scheme.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/may/17/story-of-cities-44-dadaab-kenya-worlds-largest-refugee-camp-closed">Story of cities #44: will Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp, really close?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/23/kenya-dadaab-refugee-camp-what-happens-when-it-closes-asad-hussein">I grew up in the world's biggest refugee camp – what happens when it closes?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/20/kenya-accused-of-dumping-somali-refugees-back-over-the-border-with-no-support">Continue reading...</a>SomaliaKenyaAfricaWorld newsRefugeesAl-ShabaabThu, 20 Oct 2016 06:00:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/20/kenya-accused-of-dumping-somali-refugees-back-over-the-border-with-no-supportPhotograph: Refugees DeeplyPhotograph: Refugees DeeplyAshley Hamer in Kismayo for Refugees Deeply2016-10-20T06:00:29ZI grew up in the world's biggest refugee camp – what happens when it closes?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/23/kenya-dadaab-refugee-camp-what-happens-when-it-closes-asad-hussein
<p>Sprawling Dadaab is where journalist Asad Hussein was born, raised and educated. Now, Kenya wants to demolish the camp</p><p>In a dusty expanse of desert in eastern Kenya sits the world’s largest refugee settlement, the place I call home.</p><p>The camp was <a href="https://viewer.gutools.co.uk/world/2008/aug/27/somalia-international-aid-and-development">set up in 1991</a> to house Somalis fleeing the civil war. At first, there were three settlements: Ifo, Dagahaley and Hagadera. Ifo II and Kambioos were later added. They are all generally called Dadaab, named after the nearby town 50 miles (80km) from the Somali border.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That time I was at Hormuud, when I had little to read, I still nursed the dream of becoming a writer. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Memories?src=hash">#Memories</a> <a href="https://t.co/4E4AGgFBPK">pic.twitter.com/4E4AGgFBPK</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who has the courage to stand at the place where they were born and not cry? The end is forever, beloved Ifo. <a href="https://t.co/SJLtz1f5UW">pic.twitter.com/SJLtz1f5UW</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/23/kenya-dadaab-refugee-camp-what-happens-when-it-closes-asad-hussein">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaWorld newsRefugeesUnited NationsSomaliaHumanitarian responseGlobal developmentFri, 23 Sep 2016 08:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/23/kenya-dadaab-refugee-camp-what-happens-when-it-closes-asad-husseinPhotograph: Thomas Mukoya/ReutersPhotograph: Thomas Mukoya/ReutersAsad Hussein in Dadaab2016-09-23T08:00:04ZThe story of Samia Omar, the Olympic runner who drowned in the Medhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/the-story-of-samia-omar-the-olympic-runner-who-drowned-in-the-med
<p>As the Somali team prepares for Rio, the memory of this 21-year-old – who died trying to find safety and coaching in Europe – looms large</p><p> In 2008, a thin 17-year-old Somali athlete settled in to her starting block in lane two to prepare for the Olympic 200m dash. </p><p>Flanked by women in Lycra outfits, Samia Yusuf Omar stood out in her long black leggings and oversized white t-shirt. On her feet she wore shoes recently donated by the Sudanese women’s track and field team.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/somalia-two-suicide-car-bombings-mogadishu-african-union">Somali police say 13 killed in two suicide car bombings in Mogadishu</a> </p><p>We Somalis don’t look back. We just keep going</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/the-story-of-samia-omar-the-olympic-runner-who-drowned-in-the-med">Continue reading...</a>SomaliaOlympic GamesAfricaSportWorld newsRefugeesAl-ShabaabRunningLife and styleWed, 03 Aug 2016 07:00:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/the-story-of-samia-omar-the-olympic-runner-who-drowned-in-the-medPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesTeresa Krug2016-08-03T07:00:41ZKenya clamps down on journalists covering war on al-Shabaabhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/kenya-clamps-down-on-journalists-covering-war-on-al-shabaab
<p>In an attempt to keep news of troop deaths quiet, government arrests reporters circulating information online</p><p>On a cold January evening, journalist Yassin Juma was walking to his local pharmacy when he was stopped by four men from the Kenyan police.</p><p>They escorted him back to his house, where he found 14 people ransacking the place in front of his wife and children. “They were looking for electronics, for laptops,” Juma recalls.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/al-shabaab-somali-militants-storm-base-ethiopia-troops">Al-Shabaab militants storm Somalia base used by Ethiopian troops</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quick recovery my friend n colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/MOALIMUU">@MOALIMUU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bbc?src=hash">#Bbc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Somalia?src=hash">#Somalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QZZfbLRKsP">pic.twitter.com/QZZfbLRKsP</a></p><p>Freedom of expression must be enjoyed in a responsible manner</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/13/africa-targeted-once-more-as-rivalry-between-islamic-militants-grows">Africa targeted once more as rivalry between Islamic militants grows</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/kenya-clamps-down-on-journalists-covering-war-on-al-shabaab">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaWorld newsSomaliaAl-ShabaabMiddle East and North AfricaCensorshipPress freedomSocial mediaDigital mediaMediaNewspapers & magazinesMon, 27 Jun 2016 06:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/kenya-clamps-down-on-journalists-covering-war-on-al-shabaabPhotograph: Noor Khamis/REUTERSPhotograph: Noor Khamis/REUTERSIsmail Einashe for Index on Censorship2016-06-27T06:00:05Z‘We’ll make ​our country​ great again’​: ​project shows true face of Somalishttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/19/peaceful-resilient-project-true-face-somali-faces
<p>From the boy who wants peace to the activist who lost her legs in a landmine blast, their stories challenge stereotypes. <a href="https://globalvoices.org/2016/04/16/think-you-know-the-somali-people-think-again/">Global Voices report</a></p><p>For many people it is easy to stereotype Somalis as agents of terrorism, annoying refugees, gun-wielding pirates or competing warlords. Not the peaceful, resilient people they really are, say the team behind <a draggable="true" href="http://www.somalifaces.org/">Somali Faces</a> – an online project highlighting the everyday stories of Somalis around the world.</p><p>Ever since the civil war broke out in 1991, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12285365">millions of Somalis </a>have sought refuge abroad. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35478963">Some stayed in the region</a>, others made their way to Europe and continue to do so. </p><p>I’ve been told numerous times that my place is at home</p><p>The UN visited me and offered to help me walk again. I was the first Somali to have artificial legs fitted</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/19/peaceful-resilient-project-true-face-somali-faces">Continue reading...</a>SomaliaSomalilandRefugeesPiracy at seaAl-ShabaabAfricaWorld newsTue, 19 Apr 2016 14:33:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/19/peaceful-resilient-project-true-face-somali-facesPhotograph: Handout/ReutersPhotograph: Handout/ReutersNdesanjo Macha for Global Voices, part of the Africa network2016-04-19T14:33:24ZKenya is run by mafia-style cartels, says chief justicehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/13/kenya-is-run-by-mafia-style-cartels-says-chief-justice
<p>Top judge says corruption is endemic, with politics and organised crime increasingly linked. <a href="http://africanarguments.org/2016/01/11/kenya-has-become-a-bandit-economy-says-chief-justice-willy-mutunga/">African Arguments</a> reports</p><p>Kenya is at war with mafia-style cartels run by corrupt politicians and business people, according to the country’s chief justice.</p><p>Speaking to <a href="http://www.nrc.nl/next/2015/12/29/oorlog-tegen-de-afrikaanse-al-capones-1572450">a Dutch newspaper, Willy Mutunga claimed</a> organised crime stretched across all of Kenyan society and had “never been worse”.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/corruption-has-opened-door-to-al-shabaab-in-kenya">'Corruption has opened door to al-Shabaab in Kenya'</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/15/kenya-athletics-police-investigation">Top Kenya official investigated over alleged siphoning off of funds</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/13/kenya-is-run-by-mafia-style-cartels-says-chief-justice">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaWorld newsLawCorruption index and barometerAl-ShabaabSomaliaWed, 13 Jan 2016 11:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/13/kenya-is-run-by-mafia-style-cartels-says-chief-justicePhotograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty ImagesKoert Lindijer for African Arguments, part of the Guardian Africa network2016-01-13T11:00:06ZThe Cool Runnings of the refugee crisis: Somalia's bandy ​team at home on icehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/04/the-cool-runnings-of-the-refugee-crisis-somalias-bandy-team-at-home-on-ice
<p>Somalis living in Sweden are experiencing increased hostility as the political climate shifts against migrants. Can sport help aid integration?</p><p>Most of Somalia’s bandy team had never seen snow or ice before they arrived in Sweden as refugees in their late teens.</p><p>Three years on they are furiously practicing the sport – a version of ice hockey played with a ball – in the hope they will be selected to represent Somalia at the third bandy world championships, to be held in Russia in February.</p><p>You fall on the ground again and again and your body can’t feel anything anymore</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/04/the-cool-runnings-of-the-refugee-crisis-somalias-bandy-team-at-home-on-ice">Continue reading...</a>SomaliaSwedenRefugeesSportAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaWorld newsMon, 04 Jan 2016 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/04/the-cool-runnings-of-the-refugee-crisis-somalias-bandy-team-at-home-on-icePhotograph: Ivan Ogilvie​ for the GuardianPhotograph: Ivan Ogilvie​ for the GuardianMaeve Shearlaw2016-01-04T07:00:05ZAfrica in 2015, the pessimist's take: war, terror and... Cecil the lionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/29/africa-in-2015-the-pessimists-take-war-terror-and-cecil-the-lion
<p>Violence reigned in South Sudan and the Burundian president’s thirst for power plunged the country into civil war, <a href="http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-12-16-2015-africa-for-pessimists/#.VnLaW2ThDWY">says Simon Allison</a></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/28/africa-in-2015-the-optimists-take-bye-bye-ebola-hello-democracy">Optimist? Read the alternative review</a></li></ul><p>In 2015 the world tried to be optimistic about South Sudan, especially when a “historic” <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/27/south-sudan-president-salva-kiir-signs-peace-deal-despite-serious-reservations">peace deal was signed in August</a>. <br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/29/africa-in-2015-the-pessimists-take-war-terror-and-cecil-the-lion">Continue reading...</a>AfricaWorld newsSouth SudanBurundiCecil the lionAl-ShabaabSomaliaAngolaTue, 29 Dec 2015 09:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/29/africa-in-2015-the-pessimists-take-war-terror-and-cecil-the-lionPhotograph: Jason Patinkin/APPhotograph: Jason Patinkin/APSimon Allison for the Daily Maverick, part of the Guardian Africa network2015-12-29T09:00:03ZMuslims hailed for protecting Christians during terror attack on Kenyan bushttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/22/kenya-al-shabaab-attack-muslims-protect-christians-mandera
<p>Passengers donated headscarves to help prevent non-Muslims being targeted after al-Shabaab militants stormed a packed vehicle</p><p>Muslims helped dress non-Muslim passengers in Islamic garb to prevent extremists from identifying them for slaughter on a bus in northern Kenya, witnesses said.</p><p>Two people died in the attack on Monday in northern Mandera County when gunmen, believed to be part of the Somali islamist group al-Shabaab, shot at a bus and truck headed for Mandera town, the regional government coordinator, Mohamud Saleh, said.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I wish to recognise heroes/heroines who stood firm &amp; rescued their fellow Kenyans from extremists in Mandera City. <a href="https://t.co/1t0uxSie1d">https://t.co/1t0uxSie1d</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I strongly suggest <a href="https://twitter.com/UKenyatta">@UKenyatta</a> honours those selfless Mandera bus passengers who refused to be divided on religious basis &amp; saved many lives</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/01/kenya-terror-drill-strathmore-univesity">Kenyan university faces criticism after woman dies in terror drill</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/22/kenya-al-shabaab-attack-muslims-protect-christians-mandera">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAl-ShabaabSomaliaAfricaWorld newsIslamReligionTue, 22 Dec 2015 12:10:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/22/kenya-al-shabaab-attack-muslims-protect-christians-manderaPhotograph: Feisal Omar/REUTERSPhotograph: Feisal Omar/REUTERSAssociated Press2015-12-22T12:10:12ZParis attacks: ​how far does our global solidarity ​extend?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/16/paris-attacks-global-solidarity-nigeria-kenya
<p>Are some terror victims deemed more newsworthy than others? Nigerians and Kenyans express global solidarity amid media bias </p><p>On Friday night Paris was rocked by multiple terror attacks which left 129 people dead and more than 300 injured. </p><p>By Saturday morning, as the world came to terms with the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2015/nov/14/paris-attacks-what-we-know-so-far">worst terror attack</a> on European soil for a decade, Facebook was awash with profile pictures overlaid with the French flag in solidarity with a city in mourning. </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paris being described as a "war zone." Now, imagine that as a regular threat every day. Would you stay there or become a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/refugee?src=hash">#refugee</a>? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/empathy?src=hash">#empathy</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paris was there for us....Now our turn.... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmFrench?src=hash">#IAmFrench</a> too <a href="https://t.co/u2YRSBz4cz">https://t.co/u2YRSBz4cz</a></p><p>[The reaction] was overwhelming, but it seems to have been forgotten and replaced with this sense of injustice</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/12/-sp-boko-haram-attacks-nigeria-baga-ignored-media">Why did the world ignore Boko Haram's Baga attacks?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/16/paris-attacks-global-solidarity-nigeria-kenya">Continue reading...</a>Paris attacksFranceEuropeParisWorld newsAfricaFacebookMediaKenyaNigeriaSomaliaMon, 16 Nov 2015 15:38:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/16/paris-attacks-global-solidarity-nigeria-kenyaPhotograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty ImagesMaeve Shearlaw2015-11-16T15:38:04ZWhy the crisis in Burundi is tying the African Union in knotshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/06/burundi-african-union-assassination
<p>Country is reeling after two high-profile shootings but efforts to end the standoff are troubled by the president’s trump card – Somalia, says <a href="http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-08-04-is-burundi-really-on-brink-of-a-bloodbath/#.VcIW0CpVhBc">Simon Allison</a> </p><p>Two nights in Bujumbura, two assassination attempts on high-profile figures from opposite ends of the political spectrum. One succeeded, the other failed. Together these add up to bad news for a country reeling from <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/21/burundi-election-polls-open-president-nkurunziza-violence">weeks of street violence</a>, as hopes for a peaceful resolution dim and the international community runs out of ideas.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/05/rumours-violence-fuelling-uncertainty-burundi">Rumours and violence are fuelling the uncertainty in Burundi | Carina Tertsakian</a> </p><p>"In such choppy waters, more or less everybody believes they can lay their hand on the tiller"</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/14/power-struggle-in-burundi-the-guardian-briefing">Power struggle in Burundi - the Guardian briefing</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/06/burundi-african-union-assassination">Continue reading...</a>BurundiAfricaWorld newsAfrican UnionSomaliaMiddle East and North AfricaAl-ShabaabThu, 06 Aug 2015 07:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/06/burundi-african-union-assassinationPhotograph: PHIL MOORE/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: PHIL MOORE/AFP/Getty ImagesSimon Allison for Daily Maverick, part of the Guardian Africa network2015-08-06T07:00:01ZHow Britain's khat ban devastated an entire Kenyan townhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/khat-uk-ban-kenyan-farmers-poverty
<p>Mild stimulant used to be Maua’s most valuable export, bringing prosperity to all involved. A year since it was outlawed, the local economy has been devastated</p><p>In a quiet and unassuming town tucked away in a hilly part of eastern Kenya, the British home secretary Theresa May’s name is spoken with barely concealed anger. Since her role in the ban of the town’s most valuable export, she’s become a universally vilified figure. </p><p>For more than two decades, Maua enjoyed booming business propelled by the growth and sale of khat, known locally as miraa, a popular herb whose leaves and stems are chewed for the mild high they offer.</p><p>Now that people are no longer making money from miraa, they do not have money to buy food</p><p>The miraa trade was the heartbeat of this town; it drove everything else</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/26/ban-khat-uk-war-on-drugs-class-c">This ban on khat is another idiotic salvo in the UK's disastrous war on drugs | Ian Birrell</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/khat-uk-ban-kenyan-farmers-poverty">Continue reading...</a>KenyaKhatAfricaTheresa MaySocietyWorld newsDrugsSomaliaPoliticsFri, 26 Jun 2015 07:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/khat-uk-ban-kenyan-farmers-povertyPhotograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesJacqueline Kubania in Maua2015-06-26T07:00:01ZWorld's largest refugee camp scapegoated in wake of Garissa attackhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/14/kenya-garissa-dadaab-scapegoat-al-shabaab
<p>The Kenyan government has called Dadaab ‘a nursery for al-Shabaab’ and is demanding its closure. But dismantling the home of 350,000 people will not happen quickly or make the country safer, <a href="http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-04-12-analysis-kenyas-dadaab-the-worlds-largest-refugee-camp-isnt-going-anywhere-yet/#.VSvvWZTF-Jc">says Simon Allison</a></p><p>After the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/07/kenyan-families-mourn-best-brightest-garissa-attack">terrorist attack on Garissa University</a> in which 147 students were killed Kenya’s government has found a scapegoat. Three hundred and fifty thousand scapegoats, in fact.</p><p>On Saturday, the country’s deputy president William Ruto issued an ultimatum to the UN. He told the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to shut down Dadaab refugee camp near the border with Somalia within three months, or else Kenya would shut it down itself.</p><p>We have asked the UNHCR to relocate the refugees in three months, failure to which we shall relocate them ourselves</p><p>The UN​ has so far simply ignored the public demands for Dadaab’s closure</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/corruption-has-opened-door-to-al-shabaab-in-kenya">'Corruption has opened door to al-Shabaab in Kenya'</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/14/kenya-garissa-dadaab-scapegoat-al-shabaab">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAl-ShabaabSomaliaAfricaWorld newsUnited NationsRefugeesWestgate mall attacksTue, 14 Apr 2015 04:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/14/kenya-garissa-dadaab-scapegoat-al-shabaabPhotograph: Dai Kurokawa/EPAPhotograph: Dai Kurokawa/EPASimon Allison for the Daily Maverick, part of the Guardian Africa network2015-04-14T04:00:06Z'Corruption has opened door to al-Shabaab in Kenya'https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/corruption-has-opened-door-to-al-shabaab-in-kenya
<p>As government ministers and top businessmen are charged over the Anglo Leasing scandal, whistleblower <strong>John Githongo</strong> argues this fraud has played into the hands of terrorists<br></p><p>After 12 years of scandal anti-corruption authorities in Kenya have finally <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bf75a7ee-c7f9-11e4-8210-00144feab7de.html#axzz3UXX4IUWf">brought charges</a> against key people allegedly involved in what has become known as one of the country’s biggest corruption cases. </p><p>Facing court are former finance ministers, permanent secretaries, senior officials and businessmen, all of whom deny the charges – regarded as a breakthrough in the country’s fight against corruption which saw Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Swiss authorities working together for the first time. </p><p>Many senior public officials knew that low scrutiny 'national security' is the last refuge of the corrupt</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/18/al-shabaab-leader-killed-drone-strike">Al-Shabaab leader killed in drone strike</a> </p><p>Skepticism</p><p>The prosecuations are totally without precedent, in a country where elite impunity with regard to corruption is the norm</p><p>For many profit trumps security and for some in the international community security trumps democracy and accountability</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/corruption-has-opened-door-to-al-shabaab-in-kenya">Continue reading...</a>KenyaCorruption index and barometerWorld newsAfricaAl-ShabaabOsama bin LadenSomaliaSeptember 11 2001NairobiKenyaAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaThu, 19 Mar 2015 05:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/corruption-has-opened-door-to-al-shabaab-in-kenyaPhotograph: Kabir Dhanji/EPAPhotograph: Kabir Dhanji/EPAJohn Githongo2015-03-19T05:00:07ZKenya to build a wall on Somali border to keep out al-Shabaabhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/02/kenya-wall-israel-separation-barrier
<p>Analysis: amid plans for Israeli-style ‘separation barrier’ against both militants and immigrants, <a href="http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-02-27-the-great-wall-of-kenya/#.VPC2WLOsWJc">Simon Allison</a> questions how effective a Great Wall can be</p><p>Kenya is going to build a wall. Not just any wall, but a “separation barrier”, to employ the euphemism coined by Israel to describe the towering, snaking structure that now <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2013/sep/06/israel-wall-palestinian-ill-treatment">separates it</a> from Palestine’s West Bank. </p><p>Kenya’s version will be built along sections of its notoriously <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2011/mar/24/aid-somalia-refugee-kenya-border">porous border</a> with Somalia. A physical rendering in bricks, mortar and barbed wire of a line on the map.<br></p><p>Can countries really shut themselves off from their neighbours?</p><p>It’s intent will be to keep out illegal immigrants from Somalia as well as dangerous al-Shabaab militants.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/02/kenya-wall-israel-separation-barrier">Continue reading...</a>KenyaSomaliaAl-ShabaabWorld newsMigrationIsraelAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaMon, 02 Mar 2015 07:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/02/kenya-wall-israel-separation-barrierPhotograph: Ben Curtis/APPhotograph: Ben Curtis/APSimon Allison for the Daily Maverick, part of the Guardian Africa network2015-03-02T07:00:07ZSomalia gets first cash machinehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/somalia-gets-first-cash-machine
<p>Residents welcome ATM as a sign that country is edging towards stability – but some wish instructions weren’t only in English<br></p><p>When 21-year-old student Salma Abdi ran out of cash on a Friday in Mogadishu she used to be without money all day as banks are closed in Somalia. But now Abdi does not need to be bound by bank opening hours as the city has gained its first cash machine.</p><p>“There are out-of-hours and weekend days where you cannot find any bank services at all, so the ATM is the one which helps me. Now I need not be trapped,” she says.</p><p>“I am glad and also really amazed that I can use my Visa card <br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/somalia-gets-first-cash-machine">Continue reading...</a>SomaliaAfricaAl-ShabaabBankingTechnologyBusinessWorld newsThu, 23 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/somalia-gets-first-cash-machinePhotograph: Abdulfitah Hashi Nor/AFP/Getty ImagesA Somali man uses the first-ever cash machine installed in the Somalian capital Mogadishu, on October 7, 2014.Photograph: Abdulfitah Hashi Nor/AFP/Getty ImagesA Somali man uses the first-ever cash machine installed in the Somalian capital Mogadishu, on October 7, 2014.Abdalle Ahmed Mumin in Mogadishu2014-10-23T04:00:00ZWhat makes a terrorist?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/26/extremism-kenya-somalia-research
<p>With Islamic extremism dominating the headlines, new research in Kenya and Somalia investigates how and why people become radicalised.<a href="http://www.issafrica.org/iss-today/think-again-portrait-of-a-kenyan-radical"> Simon Allison reports<br></a></p><p>Given the extent to which it dominates global news and politics, it is remarkable how little we know about the men – and, very occasionally, women – behind Islamist extremism. How are people drawn into such radical politics? What type of person becomes a terrorist? What is it that forces radicals out of day-to-day politics and into the extreme and often violent margins of society?</p><p>There are theories, of course. Is it something inherent in Islam? Or maybe it’s a function of widespread poverty, neglect and discrimination? Or simply that human nature dictates that some people will want to overturn the status quo.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/26/extremism-kenya-somalia-research">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAl-ShabaabSomaliaIslamic StateAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaFri, 26 Sep 2014 13:50:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/26/extremism-kenya-somalia-researchPhotograph: APArmed al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. APPhotograph: APArmed al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. APSimon Allison for the Institute of Security Studies2014-09-26T13:50:50ZSomalis in Ethiopia – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/26/somalia-ethiopia-leikun-nahusenay-in-pictures
<p>Using double exposure photography, Leikun Nahusenay documents life in Jijiga, the capital of the Somali region of Ethiopia. <a href="http://addisrumble.com/?p=4098">Addis Rumble reports</a></p><p>Leikun Nahusenay is a young and talented art photographer from Ethiopia. He holds an MA in fine art from Addis Ababa Fine Art school, and works as a studio artist and photographer in the Nas Gedame studio in the city. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/26/somalia-ethiopia-leikun-nahusenay-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>EthiopiaSomaliaPhotographyAfricaWorld newsMiddle East and North AfricaArtThu, 26 Jun 2014 08:44:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/26/somalia-ethiopia-leikun-nahusenay-in-picturesPhotograph: Leikun Nahusenay/Addis RumbleSomalis in Jijiga, the capital of the Somali region of Ethiopia. Photograph: Leikun NahusenayPhotograph: Leikun Nahusenay/Addis RumbleSomalis in Jijiga, the capital of the Somali region of Ethiopia. Photograph: Leikun NahusenayAddis Rumble, part of the Guardian Africa network2014-06-26T08:44:50ZWhy Sheffield is throwing its weight behind Somalilandhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/why-sheffield-is-throwing-its-weight-behind-somaliland
<p>By voting in favour of independence for the breakaway territory, the British city has given its 8,000-strong Somaliland community some hope for the region's future, <a href="http://africanarguments.org/">writes Magnus Taylor </a></p><p>A council in the British city of Sheffield has voted in support of independence for the Horn of Africa’s famous non-state state<strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/somaliland">Somaliland</a>. </p><p>Somaliland declared independence from the Somali Republic in 1991 following a long-running war with the Mogadishu-based national government. It has, however, never been recognised by the United Nations or Africa Union, despite an ongoing campaign by its politicians, diplomats and prominent citizens.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/why-sheffield-is-throwing-its-weight-behind-somaliland">Continue reading...</a>SomalilandSomaliaWorld newsAfricaUnited NationsSheffieldTue, 15 Apr 2014 11:12:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/why-sheffield-is-throwing-its-weight-behind-somalilandPhotograph: PEDRO UGARTE/EPAWomen in Hargeisa, which is regarded as the capital of the unrecognised state of Somaliland. Photograph: Pedro Ugarte/EPAPhotograph: PEDRO UGARTE/EPAWomen in Hargeisa, which is regarded as the capital of the unrecognised state of Somaliland. Photograph: Pedro Ugarte/EPAMagnus Taylor for African Arguments, part of the Guardian Africa Network2014-04-15T11:12:21ZBaby who survived Kenya church terror attack leaves hospitalhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/baby-who-survived-kenya-church-terror-attack-leaves-hospital
<p>Satrin Osinya was shot in the head by the same bullet that killed his mother as she tried to shelter him during deadly raid in March, <a href="http://www.iq4news.com/">reports IQ4 news</a></p><p>First, a jihadist bullet lodged in his skull. Then his father had no money to take him to the hospital for surgery. The situation was further complicated when it dawned on the family that there was no neurosurgeon in the whole of Mombasa County, their home county.</p><p>The father was in deep agony and anguish, and the 18-month old baby was writhing in pain as words of consolation poured in from all over <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/kenya">Kenya</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/baby-who-survived-kenya-church-terror-attack-leaves-hospital">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaAl-ShabaabWorld newsHealthSomaliaChristianityFri, 11 Apr 2014 13:45:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/baby-who-survived-kenya-church-terror-attack-leaves-hospitalPhotograph: SIMON MAINA/AFP/Getty ImagesAn X-ray shows the bullet that was lodged in 18-month-old boy Satrin Osinya's head. Photograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: SIMON MAINA/AFP/Getty ImagesAn X-ray shows the bullet that was lodged in 18-month-old boy Satrin Osinya's head. Photograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty ImagesJoab Apollo for IQ4 News2014-04-11T13:45:23Z